The Carnaval of Being – Handbook ‘Pataphysics by Matthijs van Boxsel does in a way what it says on its rather large tin. To start with the latter part of its title, it’s definitely an encyclopaedic handbook which gives a lot of information on the subject of ‘Pataphysics. And it’s definitely also a Carnaval, that’s to say, a feast of disguise, masquerading, and play. ‘Pataphysics is of course first and foremost the domain of the French writer and play-write Alfred Jarry (1873-1907), best known for his Ubu Roi. But in 1894 he also published a short magazine article on Being and Living (Être et Vivre) in which he halfway concludes after some complex reasoning that “Living is the Carnaval of Being”.
The notion of complexity lies at the heart of all things pataphysical, in the first place because it doesn’t shy away from contradictions. It in fact rather included in this ‘science of imaginary solutions’ as it was first described by Jarry in his Gestes et opinions du docteur Faustroll (1897-98). Defining ‘Pataphysics is therefore sheer impossible, or as Ruy Launoir remarks: “there is no key to ‘Pataphysics. … To pretend that one can explain (i.e. reduce) ‘Pataphysics by methods that are not pataphysical, is a little, even greatly, pataphysical.” This quote is mentioned by Andrew Hugill in his ‘Pataphysics – A Useless Guide (2012), as the main reason why he limits himself “to trace the lineaments of pataphysics (his italics) and, in doing so, to offer some critical insights”.
Van Boxsel’s book is, following Launoir’s remark, in that sense definitely pataphysical as he does try to explain it in, well, one can only say, a pataphysical way. Although Van Boxsel seemingly uses a clear structure for his book this turns out to be just a façade. Dividing it in three large sections on respectively ‘Pataphysics, Fumism and Protobataphyics (sic), one could be tempted to think to have finally found the ultimate and all-inclusive book on this subject matter. Instead, for those who master the Dutch language, be prepared to embark on a journey which is not unlike that of Doctor Faustroll himself, far from linear and full of the most bizarre connotations and connections.
Read the full review here.
Leave a comment